With a new venue, new format and great new Hosting Duo, the Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) is delighted to announce that Simon Delaney and Laura Whitmore will co-host the 2014 Irish Film & Television Awards Ceremony.

With one of the most exciting shortlists of Irish talent and Nominees across film and television this year, Simon and Laura will guide television viewers through a glittering night that celebrates Ireland’s home industry in true Irish style. Taking a fresh approach to the Awards Ceremony, which embarks on a new decade too, the duo have been hatching some plans with producers to add some vibrant new elements to the procedures this year, showcasing Irish creative talent on a par with the some of the best in the world.

One of Ireland’s most popular actors, Simon Delaney has become IFTA’s Master of Ceremonies in recent years with a style and an ease which has meant that the Irish TV audience has tuned-in in record numbers with last year’s show reaching 1.24 Million viewers on RTÉ ONE. Laura Whitmore has shown herself to be the epitome of young Irish talent forging their way internationally and has established herself as one of the brightest new TV presenters in the UK.

The Awards Ceremony and the Red Carpet will be broadcast from Dublin’s DoubleTree by Hilton on Saturday 5th April at 9.35pm GMT.

Commenting on hosting the IFTAs in 2014, Simon Delaney said: “I’m very honoured to be working with IFTA again in showcasing Irish creative talent and to do so this year with Laura makes it all the more enjoyable – we’re planning a whole different approach. To be part of an Irish celebration like this makes me very proud indeed.”

Commenting on co-hosting the IFTAs in 2014, Laura Whitmore said: “I'm delighted to be co-hosting the IFTA's with Simon this year. We're going to have a lot of fun! I've watched Simon host over the last few years and he's brilliant, so I can't wait to work with him.”

Reflecting on what the IFTAs mean to her Laura said: “I remember when I was younger, my friends and I getting excited that so many big names in the Irish film and TV world were in town and we snuck off to have a peak at the red carpet arrivals before a college night out (I think we had a glimpse of a certain Mr Farrell). So it's surreal to be here in this capacity. The Irish entertainment industry is getting stronger and stronger. There have been great film releases and TV dramas and epic acting performances. I'm so proud to be part of it.”

Speaking about the Hosts, IFTA Chief Executive Áine Moriarty said:

“We are absolutely delighted to combine the great skills, charisma and style of Simon and Laura to showcase the best of what Ireland has to offer across our screens. We know first-hand just how talented and much-loved Simon is and we so enjoy working with him. We have also experienced first-hand Laura’s stylish and intuitive approach to presenting and between them there are some fun and exciting plans afoot. We look forward to celebrating the great work of our home industry on April 5th.

The Nominees for the Irish Film & Television Awards were announced on Thursday 27th of February 2014. To see a full list of nominees please go to ifta.ie